Rep. Duncan Hunter’s only Republican colleague in San Diego’s congressional delegation said Thursday he is concerned about the timing of the congressman’s indictment, with just months left in his re-election campaign. Hunter and his wife Margaret on Tuesday were indicted on dozens of criminal charges including wire fraud and campaign finance crimes.

“The timing so close to an election raises significant concerns,” Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, told The San Diego Union Tribune via email. “Nevertheless, I’m saddened by the news and what I know is a very difficult time for a colleague and his family whom I have known and served with for many years.”

The couple, facing 60 counts, pleaded not guilty at their arraignment in San Diego federal court on Thursday, after Hunter told reporters the day before that he “never” used his campaign for “personal expenditures — ever.” Instead, he blamed what he called the “deep state.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan sought Hunter’s removal from his committee positions in the House of Representatives this week “pending the resolution of this matter” and Hunter has offered to temporarily step down according to reporting by Politico. He serves on three committees: Transportation and Infrastructure, House Armed Services and Education and Workforce.

We also reached out to Rep. Susan Davis, Rep. Scott Peters and Rep. Juan Vargas of the San Diego delegation for comment. We asked these questions:

What is your response to the indictment?

Should Hunter resign?

Should Hunter step down from his committee assignments as House Speaker Paul Ryan has requested?

Any other comment to make on the matter?

Here’s how they responded.

Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego

“These are serious charges that were a long time in coming. He has the right to a trial but could be distracted from properly serving his constituents.”

Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego

“I’m very concerned about the nature of these charges. As public servants, we owe it to the people we represent to follow the campaign spending and disclosure laws, which keep elections fair and provide the transparency the public deserves. The public deserves an explanation, and any wrongdoing should be punished.“

“He needs to decide what is best for the people he represents and his family. It’s difficult for me to see how he can represent his district at the same time he is consumed with defending himself in court.”

“If he resigns from his committees, there is little point in remaining in Congress.”

“Duncan and I have wide political differences, and I have endorsed his election opponent. Nevertheless, he and I, and our entire delegation, have managed to work together on San Diego matters. I certainly don’t condone any of the alleged misconduct, but this is sad news for our region and for his children.”

Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego

“I support Rep. Duncan Hunter’s decision to step down from his committee responsibilities. By removing himself, he is allowing for Members of Congress to return to Washington and get back to work without any distractions. I firmly believe that our judicial system will handle this case appropriately.”